Custom Experience
Deep Tokyo
Street
What’s the Story?
In Japanese ‘omakase’ means ‘to entrust’ or to leave the decision to someone else. When you go to a sushi restaurant you can order ‘omakase’ and the chef then crafts a meal for you. You get treated to something unique, perhaps a bit outside your comfort zone. But there is the risk that you are served something you don’t like, so omakase is best left to those who have an open mind and love to try new things. That’s what this workshop is all about. Your instructor will decide where to meet and take it from there. You can’t be sure what to expect, but an adventure is guaranteed!
What We’ll Shoot
The beauty of the Omakase Street Adventure is that we don’t know exactly what we will encounter. That’s what makes it exciting! However, we can say that we will focus on street and urban photography, maybe with a touch of urbex. We don’t recommend carrying a tripod and instead travel light and remain open to take in everything ‘as is.’ Your instructor will likely bring one camera and lens, possibly a prime. The idea is to allow for some technical constraints in order to focus on the city, the experience, the adventure, rather than on the technical matters of the camera. And anyway, constraints breed creativity!
Where We’ll Explore
We will head to areas less traveled, and perhaps it might even be your instructor’s first time visiting the place themselves. The point of this workshop is to take the road less traveled, step into the unknown, and embrace whatever comes your way. As an addendum, this workshop is well-suited for those of you who already experienced many of our other photo adventures and are thirsting for something new. If you meet that description, then this is the photo adventure for you. So, be ready to dive deep into Tokyo’s obscure and hidden realms!
What’s the difference with the Bespoke Photo Adventure?
On a Bespoke Photo Adventure, you are in charge. We listen to your requests and create a custom tour based on your interests. Often, our customers ask us to remix two or three of our workshops into a custom 5-hour experience. The Omakase Street Adventure is totally opposite. Your instructor will decide where to go and what to shoot. You just enjoy the ride!
Featured Reviews
If you love photography and you’re visiting Japan, don’t miss this experience. My photo workshop in Tokyo with Lukasz from EYExplore was one of the absolute highlights of my trip. From the moment we met, Lukasz made me feel comfortable and inspired. He knows Tokyo inside out — not just the famous spots, but also the hidden corners full of character and light. I learned so much in just a few hours — how to see the city differently, how to play with light and composition, and how to capture moments that really tell a story. Lukasz was friendly, patient, and full of great tips that completely changed the way I shoot. It wasn’t just a workshop, it was a creative adventure. I left with amazing photos and even better memories. If you love photography and you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t miss this experience. Thanks Lukasz and the Eye Explore Team!
I had an amazing time at the Omakase Street Adventure photography workshop in Tokyo! Charles was super friendly and incredibly skilled, making the 3-hour session both fun and insightful. He shared fantastic tips on capturing the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. The hands-on guidance and creative ideas were invaluable. If you’re in Tokyo and love photography, I can’t recommend it enough!
Eric –
Charles was great. Had everything mapped out and knew exactly where to take some shots.
Max –
I did 2 workshops with Lukasz from EYExplore, the Tokyo Soul and the Tokyo Omakase workshops. Both were amazing. Lukasz is a very easygoing guide and teacher who just really knows his stuff. We toured both at night and during the day which gave me 2 perfect sessions learning lots of different stuff. I highly recommend these workshops to anyone wanting to improve their skills. I really got a lot out of it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a beginner, everyone can learn something here. I will definitely be back in the future <3
Mike –
I make sure to take a workshop every time I go to Japan. Great time and always come away with great photos. Highly recommend.
Ray –
He has very good and I learned some new tricks. He has been the best instructor over the last 8 years that I have taken photo instructions.
Mary –
Charles took us (mom and two teenage boys) around the area near our hotel and we took some awesome pictures with his help. It was entertaining and a different way of exploring a new city. My kids really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend this tour for something different!
I8751QLdamiend –
If you love photography and you’re visiting Japan, don’t miss this experience.
My photo workshop in Tokyo with Lukasz from EYExplore was one of the absolute highlights of my trip. From the moment we met, Lukasz made me feel comfortable and inspired. He knows Tokyo inside out — not just the famous spots, but also the hidden corners full of character and light.
I learned so much in just a few hours — how to see the city differently, how to play with light and composition, and how to capture moments that really tell a story. Lukasz was friendly, patient, and full of great tips that completely changed the way I shoot.
It wasn’t just a workshop, it was a creative adventure. I left with amazing photos and even better memories. If you love photography and you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t miss this experience. Thanks Lukasz and the Eye Explore Team!
Charlie –
Had a great 3 hour photo tour with Lukasz! He tought me some very helpful things–not only about my camera and how to more intuitively use it, but also about framing and capturing moments (helpful for a novice). He also had some great advice to share about photography in general. I’ll definitely be booking some more photo tours/workshops with the other Eyexplore team members when I’m back in Japan (hopefully soon)!
AL Terego and the Hiqs –
In my view and opinion: a must for every Tokyo visitor with an interest in photography of all levels and preferences. The Omakase Tour is tailoured to your level and preferences and was the best hours spent in Tokyo. I did it on my first day which gave me the additional advantage of getting to know the logistics of travel and some of the most valuable information on real- live Tokyo first hand. The tour will provide you with not only great shots but plenty of very useful tips on photography, on gear and techniques (and frankly art) all while experiencing the real Tokyo nightlife . So glad to have booked several Eyexplore workshops during my stay!
Russell –
I have done a photo tour with Eyexplore a couple of times. It’s always fun as you come away with some excellent and unusual photos. And you learn plenty as well. And I really like exploring Tokyo and they take you off the beaten track. Really excellent.
Fernando –
I had the distinct honor of a hands-on photo session with Lukasz Polka in January, and the experience far exceeded my expectations. Lukasz is not only an exceptional guide but also a master of street photography, sharing insights that truly elevated my approach. We spent hours capturing the magic of Tokyo at night, and I left both inspired and eager to return for more. I can’t recommend this experience highly enough. Many thanks to Lukasz and the EY Explore team in Tokyo for making this such a memorable and enriching adventure!
ingerjose –
The places Charles took us to were unique. As a new amateur photographer I also received useful advice. Charles is also calm and nice to chat with along the way. Thanks once again! Best regards Joakim and Inger
692diogop –
I had an amazing time at the Omakase Street Adventure photography workshop in Tokyo! Charles was super friendly and incredibly skilled, making the 3-hour session both fun and insightful. He shared fantastic tips on capturing the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. The hands-on guidance and creative ideas were invaluable. If you’re in Tokyo and love photography, I can’t recommend it enough!
321aur_lier –
Très belle expérience. A refaire. Au delà de la découverte d’un quartier Tokyoite que nous connaissions mal, Lucasz est très sympa et nous a partagé beaucoup d’astuces pour pouvoir remettre à profit sa technique.
231ambera –
Definitely recommend! Lukasz is a brilliant teacher and this session was extremely interesting. I learnt so much and wished I lived in Tokyo to continue learning from him. Really humble, relaxed, knowledgable and a great communicator. Don’t hesitate to book.
arinr2015 –
Lukasz is supremely knowledgable about Tokyo, cameras, and techniques. His straight forward and articulate instruction was just what I needed to help me elevate my amateur skills up a notch. I feel like his ability to cater to whatever your current skill level, and offer you something valuable, is his core strength, aside from being an impressive photographer. If you have hesitations on his services over anothers, don’t. You cant go wrong with Lukasz and his team.
Crypto212 –
A Great Nighttime Tour and Education!
I was passing through Tokyo on my way home from India with a few free evenings after visiting Tokyo friends. Decided to take the Omakase tour with EYExplore as I wanted to improve my nighttime street photography skills. I was not disappointed.
My guide and mentor was Lukasz and he offered an experience including artistic, composition and technical activities and advice.
Artistically, Lukasz channels Saul Leiter so I was introduced to scene development using reflection, refraction and shooting through sometime semiopaque surfaces. It gave me a new, additional vision to identify approaches to subjects and opportunities.
Technically, I learned the limitations of how I was using autofocus and learned the advantages of back button focus. My cameras are now set up with double back button focus after my introduction on this tour. Also, constructive criticism about some of my bad habits was extremely useful.
Finally, Lukasz has a great level of local knowledge and if you know what you want, he knows where to find the opportunities. I was interested in photographing the after work salaryman. He introduced to the entertainment area adjacent to Shimbashi Station. It was fertile territory. When I was describing my tour to a Japanese friend, he informed me that yes, while Shibuya and Shinjuku are famous as entertainment districts, they are for young people and tourists. “Old Salarymen like us go to Shimbashi”. As I said, local knowledge.
I highly recommend this for an outing in Tokyo for an avid photographer interested in street photography. In fact, I would prefer to take the 5 hour “Bespoke” tour for additional learning opportunities and insights. Whichever tour you take, you will enjoy the experience!
georgevA6120SA –
I have been a fan of Eyexplore channel on YouTube since discovering the channel, so when I had a chance to take one of their tours, I jumped at the opportunity. Lukasz from Eyexplore did not disappoint, taking a friend and myself from Yoshiwara to Ginza on a rainy afternoon/evening. Getting both historical lessons, as well as tips on taking better photos, it made for both a fun and informative day. I highly recommend this tour and will definitely do it again, if I get the chance.
62IanH –
Book a tour now! I had organized a custom nighttime tour with Lukasz, exploring Shibuya before reaching Tokyo. Wow! I had watched all his YouTube videos beforehand and knew exactly what I wanted to see and photograph, and I wasn’t disappointed! Experiencing the sights, taking his advice, and capturing incredible scenes was just the best. He’s a very friendly and knowledgeable guy, and I’ll definitely check if he’s available for another tour when I visit again.
367majap –
I loved the tour! Had a great time with Charles, got many good tips and awesome photos. It was my first photography tour/workshop kind of experience, as I’m pretty new in photography I learned a lot! Strongly recommend to both noobies as well as more experinced photographers. Also a great way to explore the city. :)
Resort63946670663 –
I had a great time working one on one with Lukasz, it was truly the highlight of my trip! I’ve watched many of his videos, yet there was so much more I learned in person. He has so much passion for the art, and it really shows. Besides all of the planned spots & discussion points, we had time to just walk around together to just see what we could find. It was really cool when I happened to take an unplanned photo, and Lukasz stopped and had us go back to work the scene even more. Amazing. Will definitely do again.
Resort23787272503 –
I went on a great “Omakase” tour with Charles in Shimbashi during a two day trip to Tokyo. I got a ton of shots I wouldn’t have both because I wouldn’t have known where to go and that we were practicing a more methodical style than I’m used to. Very fun and educational. I will definitely consider doing another Eyexplore tour in the future.
N8334WIchiarag –
I recently went on an Omakase tour with Charles, and it was an incredible experience! Whether you’re a beginner in photography or a seasoned professional, I highly recommend this tour. Charles is exceptional at helping with camera settings and suggesting the best configurations for optimal results. He knows Shinjuku like the palm of his hand; he guided me to some of the best photo spots, including hidden gems I would have never noticed on my own. The tour was perfectly customized to my preferences. Charles even pointed out potential photo locations where the neon lights would be stunning later, even though they weren’t lit at the time. He is not only extremely knowledgeable but also friendly and personable. I can’t recommend this tour enough and will definitely book another session with Charles the next time I’m in Tokyo!
phil –
I attended the Cyberpunk Streets tour on two nights with Lukasz as my guide. After stumbling across the YouTube channel during early days of lockdown in NY, I have been a fan and avid follower of both Lukasz’s work and the channel. It was a fantasy for years to be able to travel to Japan and to take one of the workshops, with the hope of taking even a single good photograph I could walk away and be happy with. The fantasy became reality, and my expectations were thoroughly exceeded.
Firstly, Lukasz is the exact same in person as he appears online – down to earth, easygoing, and with an incredible passion for photography and the city of Tokyo. Both tours of 3 hours absolutely flew by. He was so approachable and easy going, and it felt like going out shooting with a friend that happened to be much more familiar with the area. He guided me on some settings initially which was very helpful, and then we were off. I saw parts of the city I absolutely never would have found otherwise, and learned an immense amount about the city and culture as a whole, from someone who was from the west and has lived here for years.
Even though we spent in total 6 hours together, I could tell that we were barely scratching the surface of Lukasz’s knowledge of this city. He made some tweaks for our second tour based on what subjects I was more interested in during our first session, which was just incredible. There is nothing I would have wanted to be different on this tour and it was truly the experience of a lifetime. You will see the city in a way a tourist otherwise never would, along with the friendliest guide whose passion for the photography and the city is truly contagious. It was the highlight of my trip, and in addition to having an incredible time, I walked away with some of the best photos I have ever taken.